Poland defends its new media law as fair amid EU concerns

WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Poland has defended its new media law as fair, voicing surprise at the European Union’s negative reaction to the legislation.

Last week, Polish lawmakers approved legislation that ends the terms of the current heads of state-run radio and television, and gives the government authority to make new appointments. The president is expected to sign it into law soon.

European Commissioner Guenther Oettinger said in remarks published Sunday that he was concerned about media independence in Poland and would like the EU member to be put under a monitoring mechanism.

Marek Magierowski, the spokesman for Polish President Andrzej Duda, said the changes were necessary, because for years under the previous government, state broadcasters were “one-party media” with no pluralism, a fact that was ignored by the EU.